.338 Lapua thoughts

Hey guys,
Well I am a hooked rifle hunter now. I was archery and then built a 6.5 284 this spring, after some imput from a friend that shoots better and further than I can ever hope, and there is no looking back. The think shoots good to 500 but shoots great to 1000. Now I am wanted to build something a little bigger, the .338 lapua. Just wondering what you would suggest for barrel brand and type etc.. It will be a hunting rig sometime so trying to keep in 12 to 14 pounds.

What is your usage thoughts on the Lapua? The 6.5 will shoot a good bit farther than 1000 & cost less doing it, now don't get me wrong I have a 338 & I love it (just prepped some brass this morning) just trying to establish a base line for conversation. Do you reload? If you don't the Lapua is going to put a serious dent in your pocket book.... are you looking at going the custom rifle route (you should for the Lapua)? Give us some more info & we'd be MORE than happy to provide info.

Outlaw, I know the 6.5 is good for 1000+ but you know boys with there toys ha ha ha. I do reload and have looked into the cost of the lapua. It will be a custom gun, talked to the smith the other day about actions and bottom metal etc. Just trying to narrow down barrel lenght and brand, sounds like a 1 and 10 for twist. This will be another elk gun for me. I know it will be heavy and don't need to have the lapua but I want one just the same. The 6.5 is great just want something with more juice.

I got you there, I seem to suffer from the same complex . Jump on the Rifles, Bullets, Barrels & Ballistics thread & look around, several guys are right where you are right now, LOTS of good info from our guys. If you ever intend to play wit hthe 300's (like all 338 guys) then 1-10 is a must (the new Savages are 1-9 from what I hear) but 1-10 is what I use & am pleased. Grab a bbl from one of the many reputable manufacturers out there, Kreiger, Hart, Lilja, Shilen (Select Match), Brux, Broughton.... (writers cramp....lol) 28"-30" seems to be the most common length although I am beginning to wonder about the validity... I'm using a 26" Select match on my 338RUM pushing the 300SMK to an average of 2780fps with Retumbo & getting multiple firings out of my brass.

I know you're talking about a full custom, but have you considered a Sako TRG 42? Euro Optic is selling the black stocked "matte metal" finish model for as low as $2250 right now... a freaking unbelievable steal. I paid $2900 for my green stocked phosphate finish model several months ago and am pleased as pie (that model is $2600 now).

Weight for the bare rifle is 11 3/4 pounds, 27 1/4" barrel, and it will shoot with any custom for probably way less money at those prices. Just something to think about! I had a custom before getting my TRG and I'm not looking back...